IndoorUSWNT

Indoor USWNT Fall in Opening FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup Match to Czechia

Share:

23 photos

POREČ, Croatia – In their opening game of the 2025 FIH Hockey Indoor World Cup the No. 9 U.S. Women’s National Indoor Team took on higher-ranked No. 2 Czechia at the Žatika Sport Centre in Poreč, Croatia. Although USA came out to a quick start, Czechia fought back and capitalized when it mattered, as the red, white and blue fell 3-5.

Although the contest started with Czechia having the first look, it was USA who held the lead after the opening frame. The first goal came in the 3rd minute when Reese D’Ariano (West Chester, Pa.) had a solo run down the right side and sent the ball into the net from a tight angle on the baseline. A minute later, D’Ariano ran the same line and after being challenged by the goalkeeper dropped it back for Erin Matson (Chadds Ford, Pa.) for the easy finish. With just 8 seconds to go before the break, Nikol Babická tucked one in the far corner past USA goalkeeper Liz Tamburro (Phoenixville, Pa.) to make it 2-1.

Czechia had a majority of the chances in the second quarter, opening with a set piece just 7 seconds in off an undisciplined USA error. Fortunately that attempt went wide and on the following chance, Tamburro came up with the stop. In the 17th minute, it was Tamburro again who made the save on the set piece, but Anna Olářová was there to quickly put in the rebound as Czechia capitalized on their third penalty corner of the period to even the score. With just 50 seconds to go, Tamburro came up big with a slight touch on a low angle cross to keep it at 2-2.

Czechia started the third period down an athlete following a green card just before the previous break. Once they resumed full strength, they earned a set piece, but Tamburro continued to be a force and made the rushing stop and save. For a 5-minute period starting in the 23rd minute, it was action packed. USA saw a penalty corner saved off the goal line from a Czechia defender and forced their goalkeeper to make a save. A minute later, Charly Bruder (Malvern, Pa.) had a great reception in the pocket and dished it left to D’Ariano who used speed down the left but saw her shot sail over the cage. On the resuming play, Matson sent a cross court ball to Opal Sparling (Chester Springs, Pa.) wide open on the far post, but she was unable to secure the goal. In the 26th minute, Czechia took the lead off a penalty corner through Adéla Lehovcová. Two minutes later, Anna Vorlová doubled it following quick passing.

USA found themselves trailing 2-5 just two minutes into the final frame when Vorlová tallied again. The goal gap lit a spark in the United Eagles as they continued to dig. Good ball movement led to close opportunities and shots but none fell in favor of the USA. With 0.5 seconds on the clock, D'Ariano took a free hit quickly and found Matson open in the circle. She moved the ball quickly and was taken to the court by a defender and earned USA a penalty stroke. Matson stepped up and converted to bring the final to 3-5.

Today's contest marked a career milestone as Charly Bruder played in her first senior international indoor match.

The Eagles are back in action tomorrow when they take on No. 26 Croatia at 1:40 p.m. ET. This game and all matches from the event can be live streamed free on FIH.Hockey.

For more information on the 2025 FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup, visit the event page.

#IHWC2025

All photographs appearing on this site are property of USA Field Hockey/World Sport Pics. They are protected by the U.S. Copyright Laws, and are not to be downloaded, reproduced or used in any way without written permission of USA Field Hockey/World Sport Pics 

If you are a college SID, club coach, sponsor or media outlet, email communications@usafieldhockey.com. 

Read More#